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Polymer microsphere inks for semi-solid extrusion 3D printing at ambient conditions
Juuso Pohjola1, Mika Jokinen2, Tero Soukka3
1Biotechnology, Department of Life Technologies, Faculty of Technology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland; Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayer Oy, FI-20210 Turku, Finland.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|November 1, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel 3D printing method using semi-solid inks for personalized drug delivery systems. This room-temperature technique overcomes limitations of traditional methods for heat-sensitive medications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Extrusion-based 3D printing offers potential for personalized polymer-based drug delivery.
- Traditional melt-based extrusion is unsuitable for thermally labile molecules.
- Semi-solid ink extrusion under mild conditions is a viable alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel semi-solid extrusion 3D printing method for drug delivery.
- To evaluate the impact of ink rheology on 3D printability.
- To enhance the mechanical properties of 3D printed objects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Carbopol gel matrix with varying concentrations of polymeric microspheres.
- Employed a novel semi-solid extrusion 3D printing technique.
- Applied a solvent vapor-based post-processing method for mechanical enhancement.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated a room-temperature 3D printing process for pharmaceutical polymers.
- Showcased the ability to tailor rheological properties of semi-solid inks.
- Achieved enhanced mechanical strength in printed objects via post-processing.
Conclusions:
- The developed semi-solid extrusion 3D printing method is suitable for processing thermally sensitive materials.
- This approach facilitates the application of 3D printing and microsphere technologies in personalized medicine.
- The solvent vapor post-processing enhances the utility of printed drug delivery systems.
